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A double tragedy on the Humber Bridge has sparked an urgent call to talk about mental health.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 - and now mental health charities and support providers, here in our region and elsewhere in the UK, want us all to help take action to prevent it.

The call comes after two men tragically disappeared from the Humber Bridge within minutes of each other in the early hours of December 29.

Sam Conlin, 24, from Hull, is one of those believed to have taken his own life after an eight year battle with his mental health.

The second man, believed to be in his 40s from Grimsby, has not been named by police.

Sam Conlin had been suffering from depression, his dad said in an appeal for others to seek help (Image: Facebook)

Both men are still classed as missing by Humberside Police as neither of their bodies have been found.

Those struggling are being urged to "ask for help and get support", while professionals say more needs to be done and all of us can play a part.

Simon Gunning, CEO of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), said: "Suicide remains the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK, where three in every four suicides are male.

"This is an issue that we must tackle at a societal level so that positive change can be implemented and proactive measures are taken to best support anyone who is going through a difficult time in their life."

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He added: "CALM campaigns to challenge a culture that often prevents men from seeking help when they need it most.

"We urge everyone to join CALM’s movement against suicide so that we can better support ourselves and those around us."

Mental health charity Mind says Christmas and New Year can be "very difficult" and those struggling should ask for help.

The two men disappeared from the Humber Bridge within minutes of each other on December 29 (Image: Peter Harbour)

Emma Dallimore, interim chief executive at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, said: "It’s very sad to hear of anyone taking their own life, at any time of year.

"Many people find the Christmas and New Year period very difficult, and unfortunately very often those who take their own lives have not been receiving any support for their mental health.

"This time of year should be a period of hope and looking forward to the future, but unfortunately it’s difficult for many of us to find that hope.

"But there is help available, and I would encourage anyone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide to ask for help."

Mind also said NHS England needs to adopt a "joined up approach" in order to cut the annual suicide rate from the latest figure of 5,821 in 2017.

Mind’s head of health policy, Geoff Heyes, said: "The festive period and New Year can be a particularly difficult time of the year for those of us experiencing mental health problems. If you’re feeling suicidal, it’s really important to try to talk to somebody.

"Telling someone how you feel can be a relief, and might be a good first step towards getting help. If you don't feel you can keep yourself safe right now, or are unable to talk to someone you know, then seek immediate help.

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"We know there are still issues with people getting the help they need. Despite improvements, services remain under tremendous strain, especially during the winter period.

"Anyone in a mental health crisis should be able to access timely and safe support, yet we are still a far cry from mental health services being at the standard we expect and deserve.

"When people are suicidal there must be a joined up approach to ensure people are kept safe. This is why it is so important that NHS England prioritises mental health in their long term plan due in the next few weeks."

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